Overview of the Case

Joseph Webb, a 24-year-old man from Whakatāne, New Zealand, was last seen on 23 July 2019 around 3 PM at Kohi Point near Whakatāne Heads. The confirmed timeline of Webb’s movements that day includes visiting The Warehouse and walking past the Coastguard building, where he was captured on CCTV footage. Joseph, described as medium build with short dark hair and a ta moko on his left upper arm, was wearing dark-coloured track pants at the time of his disappearance.

Timeline of Search Efforts

Initial search efforts involved police officers, search and rescue teams, and community volunteers, utilising drones, helicopters, specialist search dogs, and local Coastguard resources. These efforts heavily focused on the Kohi Point track and surrounding coastline where Webb was last seen.

Clothing Found: Items of clothing believed to belong to Joseph were discovered on the beach but reportedly may have been placed there earlier by walkers.

Despite exhaustive searches, Joseph has not been located. Police have continued to urge anyone with information or those who were in the area on 23 July to come forward.

Family’s Perspective

Described by his family as “a lovely, caring, and kind” person, Joseph had reportedly experienced bouts of depression in the past. His mother believes he may have gone into the bush in an attempt to recover.

Call to Action

Authorities continue to seek the public’s assistance in locating Joseph Webb. They urge anyone who was at Kohi Point, Whakatāne Heads, or nearby areas between 22-23 July 2019 and might have information to contact the police by calling 105, quoting file number 190724/0842.

Additional Information

In a statement, Webb’s family said they were desperate to hear from him, or even just find out about his wellbeing. “Joseph is a person who will help anybody. “If he helped you in any way please let the police know, we just want to know that he is okay,” the family’s statement read.
Missing man Joseph Webb’s family ‘desperate’ to hear from him

Today, Police alongside local SAR volunteers revisited the Kohi Point track near Whakatane with specialist dogs looking for signs of Joseph. Unfortunately Joseph is still missing.
Update: Missing man Joseph Webb